Seasonal effects hike county’s jobless rate

Seasonal school layoffs and federal payroll cuts factored into June’s 8.1 percent Spokane County unemployment rate.

The jobless numbers ticked up from May’s rate of 7.6 percent rate.

Regional economist Doug Tweedy noted that as government employment continued to slide, private-sector jobs grew. Businesses added 3,500 jobs in the past year across a broad spectrum of industry sectors.

He expects the July unemployment rate to dip to between 7.5 percent and 8 percent.

The 8.1 percent rate was below the 8.8 percent rate of June 2012.

Starbucks going Greek with Dannon yogurt

NEW YORK – Starbucks is teaming up with French food and drink company Danone to sell Greek yogurt parfaits. The ready-to-eat cups will arrive in its U.S. cafes in the spring, replacing the yogurt cups the chain currently sells.

They’ll be called “Evolution Fresh inspired by Dannon” and roll out to stores in 2015.

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Greek yogurt, which is thicker and more tart, has surged in popularity in recent years. It now accounts for a third of the market, according to Bernstein Research.

Ford, Toyota wrap up hybrid truck program

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford and Toyota are ending joint research into hybrid systems for trucks and SUVs.

The companies said Tuesday that they will each develop the systems independently.

Ford and Toyota agreed to the partnership two years ago after both companies’ CEOs met by chance in an airport. Engineers talked frequently and visited each other’s labs.

Ford product development chief Raj Nair said both companies need to focus on finishing development and putting the systems into vehicles.

There is currently no full gas-electric hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Cisco set to purchase computer security firm

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Cisco said Tuesday that it reached a deal to buy computer network security company Sourcefire for about $2.37 billion in cash.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will pay $76 cash for each of the Columbia, Md.-based company’s shares. The price represents a 29 percent premium over Sourcefire’s Monday closing stock price.

Sourcefire shares jumped $16.41, or 28 percent, to close at $75.49 on Tuesday.

Cisco said the addition of Sourcefire will boost its own cybersecurity offerings and speed development of its security strategy of defending, discovering, and remediating advanced threats.

Bourbon distillers unite to make charity blend

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky’s renowned bourbon brands are offering up a bit of their whiskeys for a special blend to benefit efforts to find a cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The concoction is called Master Distillers’ Unity. Bardstown-based Heaven Hill says a crystal two-bottle set of the one-of-its-kind blend will be offered at auction in New York City on Oct. 13.

The special 100-proof blend will be offered at the Bonham’s Whisky, Cognac and Rare Spirits auction. It consists of bourbon from Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve. The master distiller for each brand selected the extra-aged bourbons, and longtime Heaven Hill Distilleries master distiller Parker Beam, who has the disease, developed the special blend.

All proceeds will go to the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, which is raising money for the ALS Association.